If your friend acts this way, it is not a guarantee that he or she has an alcohol or other drug problem. You need to compare behavior in the past. But it’s better to say something and be wrong than to say nothing and find out later that you were right to be worried.

How to Talk to a Friend Who’s in Trouble

Plan ahead what you want to say and how you want to say it

Pick a quiet and private talk time

Don’t try and talk about the problem when your friend is drunk or high

Use a calm voice and don’t get into an argument with your friend

Let your friend know that you care

Ask if there is anything you can do to help. Find out about local hotlines and drug-abuse counseling and offer to go along with him or her.

Don’t expect your friend to like what you’re saying. But stick with it – the more people who express concern, the better the chances of your friend getting help

The NCADI distributes a wide range of free information on alcohol and drugs. Materials are available in English and Spanish. They also operate a computerized database and provide a free catalog of materials.

800-COCAINE – Answers emergency questions about cocaine use.

800-662-HELP – This toll free, 24-hour hotline can tell you how and where to get help for alcohol and other drug problems.

INTERESTING FACTS

Venice Beach is the second largest tourist attraction in California, after Disneyland

The LAPD was established in 1869

The Los Angeles Police Academy was used for the 1932 Olympic Game's pistol and rifle competitions

The Los Angeles Police Academy remains a favorite of filmmakers, whose "Academy Arches" are recognizable around the world

DNA MONTHLY ARCHIVES

"Per the Board of Police Commission, the DNA Monthly report has been discontinued. The submittal of SAEK Progress reports, pending and analysis that backlogs remains less than 5% of our total SAEK analyses in progress. This analysis has stayed consistent with having no backlog since March of 2013. "